RØDE launches NTH-50 on-ear headphones for audio creators at USD $99

RØDE has introduced the NTH-50 on-ear headphones, expanding its range of professional audio products.

The NTH-50 headphones are designed for audio professionals and creators who require accurate sound reproduction, comfort for long-term use, and robust durability. According to RØDE, these headphones offer a natural and balanced sound signature along with passive noise isolation. The product is positioned for DJs, sound engineers, and other content creators, and is priced at USD $99.

This new model utilises a custom 40mm driver and a resonant chamber intended to deliver a balanced bass response while preserving detail in both the midrange and treble frequencies. The acoustic design has been engineered for an accurate frequency response and low distortion.

In terms of noise isolation, the NTH-50s are designed to provide passive isolation, aimed at reducing both external distractions and preventing audio bleed when monitoring or recording. The headphones provide a contoured headband, which aims to minimise wearing fatigue during extended periods of use.

The construction of the headphones features lightweight, durable components including aluminium faceplates. The headphones also include a detachable cable with a locking connector, supporting dual-sided attachment to improve flexibility and convenience for different use cases. A scratch-resistant matte black finish gives the headphones a subdued, professional appearance, while colour-coded earcup details and ID rings allow for easy identification in low-light settings, reflecting attention to workflow demands often experienced by industry professionals.

All components, including the headband, ear cushions, and cables, are modular and replaceable, and the headphones come with a lifetime warranty. The product is manufactured in RØDE's Sydney facilities and includes a 1.7m double-coiled monitoring cable, a storage pouch, and a 3.5mm-to-1⁄4-inch adapter for use with a range of audio interfaces and equipment.

Damien Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of RØDE, commented on the approach taken with the NTH-50 headphones. "At RØDE, we are committed to developing innovative audio solutions to meet the ever-evolving needs of creators. The NTH-50s embody this philosophy, offering a level of sonic accuracy, comfort and durability that marks a new gold standard for on-ear headphones. Engineered from the ground up by our dedicated headphone innovation team in Germany, we've crafted a pair of premium headphones at an affordable price point that deliver an incredibly detailed and immersive listening experience in any environment. Once again, RØDE has over-achieved in the pursuit of delivering world-class monitoring technology."

The company highlights the engineering of a custom 40mm dynamic driver within an innovative chamber as central to the device's audio signature. RØDE states that this combination ensures "impeccable sound clarity, offering incredibly accurate frequency response, ultra-low distortion and a perfectly balanced sound signature that combines rich, natural bass with detailed midrange, and crisp highs." The headphones are presented as suitable for critical monitoring, mixing, mastering, or general music listening.

According to RØDE, the NTH-50s have been tested for use in both studio and live environments, providing a stated passive noise isolation of -21 dBA. The company notes strong sensitivity and high SPL capabilities, indicating suitability for high-noise surroundings and professional monitoring requirements.

For comfort, RØDE has included an ergonomically contoured headband with an integrated recess to alleviate pressure, contributing to reduced fatigue over extended usage. Adjustable to accommodate a range of users—including those who wear glasses—the headphones employ memory foam earcup padding, designed to conform to individual ear shapes and to support breathability and heat dissipation, according to the manufacturer.

The modular and durable design supports replaceability for key parts, which can extend the usable lifespan of the headphones. The company's accessory ecosystem allows for cable management through colour-coded rings and compatibility with the NTH-100 accessory line. Additionally, the headphones can be adapted into a broadcast-ready headset via the NTH-Mic attachment, expanding their use into podcasting and streaming.

The NTH-50 headphones are now available worldwide and aim to provide audio professionals and creators with a set of features targeted at critical monitoring, comfort, and flexibility.